Speaking Program
THE WEST MEMPHIS MURDER CASE: A CASE STUDY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW
On May 6, 1993, the bodies of three eight year old boys were found in a muddy ditch near interstate highways 40 & 55 in West Memphis, Arkansas. The victims had been brutally murdered and police believed that one had been sexually mutilated. Less than a month later, police arrested three teenagers after a startling confession from one of the teens claiming that the killings were related to Satanic Cult activity. Attorney Dan Stidham, who was appointed to represent Jessie Misskelley, the teen who confessed, takes you through the twisted maze of the WM3 Murder Case. This case, which has become an icon for injustice, and the subject of four documentaries, a feature film and countless stories in the media. Dan Stidham is the only attorney who has been actively investigating the WM3 Murder Case since 1993. During this time, Mr. Stidham has consulted with some of the world’s leading forensic experts. Mr. Stidham’s work in the case has resulted in many appearances on national television and in films including HBO's Paradise Lost triology, West of Memphis, the NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, CBS's 48 Hours Mystery, Investigation Discovery with Aphrodite
​
​
​
Jones and Court TV's Prime Time Justice. In 1996, Mr. Stidham's experience in the West Memphis case was the subject of a cover story in the Arkansas Times magazine.
Despite the release of Mr. Stidham's client from prison on August 19, 2011, along with the other two men who became known as the West Memphis Three, Mr. Stidham still works tirelessly on the case, actively pursuing leads and working closely with other members of the WM3 Defense team which now, because of the publicity surrounding the HBO films and the generosity of several benefactors, includes some of the most prominent criminal defense attorneys and forensic experts in the country.
Mr. Stidham is available to speak to student or faculty groups, legal and law enforcement organizations and forensic science organizations. He can present a general overview of his experience in this very interesting and compelling case, or he can discuss specific topics that relate to his experience in the case such as:
POLICE INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES, FALSE CONFESSIONS, MENTAL COMPETENCY ISSUES, JUVENILE AND MIRANDA ISSUES, FORENSIC SCIENCE ISSUES, POLYGRAPH ISSUES, “ SATANIC PANIC,” CRIMINAL PROFILING, MEDIA ISSUES IN A HIGH PROFILE CRIMINAL CASE
A unique program centered around the WM3 case and any, or all, of these topics, can be specifically tailored and designed for your group or organization.
COST OF PROGRAM
Mr. Stidham’s interest and motivation in speaking about this most fascinating case is fueled by his desire to share his experience with students and other professionals. He also seeks to bring attention to this case and the serious issues it presents to the American Criminal Justice System. There is $500 speaking fee for presenting a program to your group plus traveling and hotel expenses. Mr. Stidham is a certified law enforcement instructor and serves from time to time as an adjunct professor at Arkansas State University. His lectures have been previously approved for Continuing Education credits and he will gladly assist you in getting his presentation approved in your jurisdiction. Please email Mr. Stidham at harvestofinnocence@outlook.com to arrange for him to speak to your group. Mr. Stidham is often willing to waive his speaking stipend for presenting to high school or college classes or groups.
​
